Purpose of Role
We are seeking a Marketing and Communications Officer to support the Lyell Centre and Heriot Watt University’s wider research portfolio. Reporting to the Communications Manager (National Robotarium), the role contributes directly to the visibility, reputation and engagement of our research on the global stage.
Working in close partnership with the Communications team, the Global Research Institutes (GRIs), the Research Engagement Office, and academic leaders, the postholder will help identify compelling research stories, promote academic expertise, support strategic communications planning, and develop targeted marketing content and campaigns that showcase Heriot-Watt’s world-changing research and impact.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
The successful candidate will contribute to a broad range of marketing and communications activities, including:
Marketing and Communications Delivery
1. Content Development – Produce engaging written, digital and multimedia content for use across web, social media, research channels and institutional communications.
2. Research Communications – Work closely with colleagues in the Lyell Centre, GRIs and Research Engagement Office to identify research outputs, case studies and impact stories suitable for promotion.
3. Integrated Campaigns – Support the planning and delivery of multi-channel campaigns to enhance visibility of research strengths, academic expertise and institutional priorities.
4. Media & PR Collaboration – Liaise with Communications colleagues to ensure research news, breakthroughs and opportunities are shared, repurposed and promoted via appropriate channels.
5. Event Support – Assist with research-related events, seminars, launches and public engagement activities, as appropriate to the role. Digital & Content
6. Social Media – Develop and schedule research-focused content for relevant social platforms; monitor performance and refine approach based on insights.
7. Web Management – Update and maintain research-related web pages, ensuring content is accurate, engaging and reflective of institutional priorities.
8. SEO & Analytics – Use data to inform content decisions, applying SEO best practice to improve reach and visibility.
Stakeholder Partnership
9. Build strong working relationships with colleagues across the Lyell Centre, GRIs, School research leads, Research Engagement Office, academic experts, and relevant professional services teams.
10. Coordinate information flow to support planning, content development and reputational initiatives.
Reporting and Evaluation
11. Track performance of marketing and communications activities, providing regular analytics and insights to improve future activity.
External Supplier Management
12. Support the briefing and management of external agencies where required (e.g. design, film, digital development).
Team Contribution
13. Work collaboratively with the wider MRAC team and contribute to University marketing and communications initiatives as required.
Essential & Desirable Criteria
Essential
14. Educated to degree level or equivalent
15. Proven experience in marketing and/or communications, ideally with exposure to research, academic or knowledge-driven environments.
16. Experience producing high-quality written and digital content for external audiences.
17. Strong digital skills, including social media management and basic web content editing.
18. Experience supporting multi-media campaigns and projects involving multiple stakeholders.
19. Excellent copywriting, editing and storytelling skills.
20. Ability to manage workload in a fast-paced environment and deliver to deadlines.
21. Professional, proactive approach to work.
Desirable
22. Experience in the Higher Education sector or research communications.
23. Familiarity with CMS platforms and analytics tools (e.g. Google Analytics, Power BI).
24. Experience working with design, digital or content agencies.
25. Understanding of SEO or science communication principles.